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WHY CHILDREN SUICIDE.TODAY LIFE

DONT''S SUICIDE
A changing landscape of bullying and social media are just some of the
reasons experts say the suicide rate is so high among a younger
generation. Sometimes the warning signs go unnoticed by parents or
guardians because they're not the ones getting those signs.

Experts say, many times kids in middle or elementary school turn to
friends to express feelings of depression or even suicidal thoughts.
Thursday night Bryan Health and Region 5 offered training to recognize
these warning signs and the steps to take to potentially save a life.
QPR stands for question, persuade and refer. It's meant to prepare everyday people to intervene to prevent suicide.
"After you ask the question don't be
afraid about the answer you're going to get," said doctor. "So if somebody says yes I am suicidal, offering hope and
reassuring statements to that person. That I'm here to help you and to
connect you to those that can help you."
In the past six months suicides from
children younger than 10 gained national attention. Its part of a trend
that's true in Nebraska as well. The number one cause of death in people
10 to 14 is suicide.

"Often times in the young age group they're giving away prized
possessions and things that mean something to them," said Doctor.
UNL's Bullying Research Network studies
local students who exhibit bullying behavior. They say bullying has
changed in the last ten years, with the introduction of social media and
cell phones.
"When that peer relationship is kind of
fraught with bullying you're just taking away another piece of that
support that they could have," said Cole Solesbee a doctoral student in
the program. "What you're left with is why you see higher levels of
anxiety and depression because there's not that sense of support that's
needed."
Doctor says having the conversation
about mental health, depression and suicide is something parents should
begin talking about with their kids at a young age.
"It's important to look at those
symptoms and to take them seriously," said Doctor "Depression is
real but its one of the most treatable mental illnesses out there. Not
everybody with depression is suicidal but untreated depression can lead
to suicidal tendencies."